Portable instant cooling system with controlled temperature obtained through timed-release liquid or gaseous CO2 coolant for general refrigeration use in mobile and stationary containers

ABSTRACT

Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas C0 2  containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel and consisting of a specially designed unit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger thus leveraging the C0 2  coolant properties. The temperature is controlled by a metering C0 2  releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotely and/or via a touch screen and which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention&#39;s metering C0 2  releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid. The invention&#39;s cooling system also encompasses check valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas C0 2  from escaping when removing or replacing C0 2  containers individually.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of providing cooling temperatures toportable units such as insulated or non-insulated ice chests or coolers.These various items are intended for portable use where the product willbe taken by individuals to locations which do not have electricityconnections and which do not have conventional methods for refrigeratingitems such as food, beverages, medical supplies, blood, organs,temperature sensitive chemicals and pharmaceuticals, any prey resultingfrom fishing or hunting activities or any other perishable items in needof refrigeration, cooling or freezing for a desired period of time.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Methods for cooling items with no ices or available electricity havebeen known in the prior art but the apparatus and method to maintaincontrolled temperatures utilizing liquid and/or gaseous CO₂ as arefrigerant has not been found in any prior art. Therefore, there is asignificant need for an improved apparatus and method to keep objects ina cool or even frozen condition depending upon the object and itsrequirement for its temperature control and the length of time it mustbe in the cooler or frozen condition.

The following prior art is the closest prior art which the presentinventors have located and is the closest prior art to the best of thepresent inventors' knowledge related to the present inventors'invention.

-   -   1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,707 for “PORTABLE REFRIGERATION MACHINE”        issued on Jun. 27, 1978 to Taylor.

The patent discloses a portable refrigeration machine that includes avertically oriented pressure vessel containing carbon dioxide ingaseous, liquid and/or solid states. A heat exchanger is secured to thelower external portion of the vessel and an outer housing surrounds thevessel to leave an annulus between the exterior wall of the vessel andthe interior wall of the housing. A gas pressure operated fan isdisposed beneath the heat exchanger and connected for operation by gaspressure from the vessel to rotate. The fan draws in air throughappropriate lower inlet openings which air passes through the heatexchanger and annulus out outlet opening to thereby cool and circulatethe air in a compartment within which the portable refrigeration machineis placed. This device utilizes a gas pressure operated fan to maintaintemperature and dispose heat to provide room for cool air.

This patent discloses fan-technology for use as a coolant and this iscompletely different from the present invention.

-   -   2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,491 for “DRY ICE REFRIGERATOR” issued on        Apr. 1, 1980 to Roncaglione.

The patent discloses an apparatus for converting a conventionalinsulating picnic cooler or the like into a refrigerator and includes asmall container, disposable within the cooler, for dry ice. Arectangular frame insertable within the interior of the cooler includesa pair of refrigeration coils, which are disposed in proximity toopposed side walls of the cooler. One end of each of the coils connectsto the dry ice container. The other end of the coils connects to amanually adjustable valve having a pressed blowout section for relievingexcess pressure. The valve is disposed in the exterior of the container.Gas flowing through the valve from the coil passes to the atmospherethrough an indicator having a body of fluid in a transparent window sothat bubbles produced upon passage of the gas are visible and allowmanual adjustment of the valve to control the rate of gas flow and thusthe rate of sublimation of the dry ice and the temperature within thecooler.

This device utilizes a valve controlled release in order to performfunctions of maintaining temperature but has many deficiencies includingthe inability to monitor and maintain a specific temperature and noability to be handled remotely. Therefore, the disclosure in this patentis different from the present invention.

-   -   3, U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,818 for “CO₂ SNOW COOLER WITH SNOW        SPLITTING BOTTOM” issued on Sep. 20, 1989 to Franklin, Jr.

The patent discloses a vertically elongated hollow housing includingopposite generally parallel side and end walls is provided and closed atits top by a top wall. CO₂ snow forming structure is disposed in anupper portion of the interior of the housing and a bottom wall structurecloses the lower portion of the housing. The bottom wall structureincludes an elongated horizontally disposed inverted V-shaped wedge ofsharply tapered configuration extending between the end walls of thehousing and the wedge is functional to split the lower portion of aquantity of snow disposed within the housing above the wedge and toforce the lower portions of the quantity of snow into fullsurface-to-surface heat transfer relation with the inner surfaces of thelower portions of the side walls of the housing horizontally alignedwith and opposing the wedge as the quantity of snow sublimes. Further,the sidewalls of the housing include vertically extending corrugationsfunctioning to at least substantially double the exposed inner and outersurface area of the sidewalls. The corrugations themselves aretrapezoidal in cross section whereby substantially full surface tosurface contact between the lower portions of a quantity of CO₂ snowdisposed within the housing and the inner surfaces of the corrugatedside walls thereof is assured.

The disclosure in this patent utilized CO₂ to produce snow and it is nota device designed to keep items refrigerated under a controlledtemperature.

-   -   4. U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,995 for “DEVICE FOR PRODUCING DRY ICE AND        PRESSURE RELIEF THEREOF” issued on Jun. 17, 2008 to Gomes et al.

The patent discloses a device for producing a solidified block of carbondioxide and includes first and second housing portions removablyconnectable together. The first and second housing portions form aninterior molding chamber that is adapted to receive liquid carbondioxide at a pressure where expansion of the liquid carbon dioxideoccurs, resulting in a mixture of solidified and gaseous carbon dioxide.A pressure relief device includes a biasing member for biasing the firstand second housing portions together. The biasing member permitsrelative movement between the first and second housing portions wheninternal pressure from the gaseous carbon dioxide exceeds apredetermined amount. With this arrangement, relative movement betweenfirst and second housing portions causes gaseous carbon dioxide to bereleased from the interior molding chamber to thereby reduce theinternal pressure. This device utilizes liquid CO₂ for the only purposeof producing dry ice, which can be used to refrigerate items, and, it isnot a device designed to keep items refrigerated under a controlledtemperature.

-   -   5. U.S. Pat. No. 20120138848 for “COOLING AGENT FOR COLD PACKS        AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS” published on Jun. 7, 2012 to        Leavitt et al.

The patent discloses a safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable coolingcompositions comprising solid particulate compounds that undergo anendothermic process when mixed with water such that the resultingmixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. Thecompositions always include one or more compounds from a groupconsisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or morecompounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen;and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate,diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate andammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds inthis group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

This method disclosed in this patent utilizes a mixture of severalcompounds to cool any given surface, solid or liquid. The presentinvention does not require this complicated process of using severalcompounds which itself could lead to many errors and problems.

-   -   6. U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,834 for “PORTABLE COOLER INCLUDING ICE        SHEET HAVING REFRIGERANT CUBES” issued on Sep. 13, 2003 to        Fuchs.

The patent discloses a portable cooler having one or more ice sheetsincluding built-in refrigerant cubes. The cooler comprises an outerfabric shell and one or more sets of spaced apart refrigerant cubesencapsulated in plastic to form ice sheets that are attached to theinterior walls of the cooler. The walls of the cooler may also includeone or more layers of thermal insulation. The ice sheets provide avisually pleasing appearance to the inside of the cooler suggestive ofcooling effects. The ice sheets may be retained along the walls of thecooler by seams sewn along the lanes passing between the refrigerantcubes, by being retained in pockets formed by sidewall liners or bebeing secured into chambers defined by the cooler's outer walls and aplastic insert fitted into the cooler.

This device utilizes ice sheets and the need to replace them as calledfor, with the temperature being maintained by manner of the insulatedice sheets.

The present invention does not use ice sheets and this disclosure istotally different from the present invention.

-   -   7. “CO2ler” is a product that has been identified on the        Internet. However, the inventors' research and investigation        into this product did not find any related patent. This product        is a cooler that has been specially made to have a closed        compartment for one CO₂ tank. The CO₂ system used in the        “Co2ler” utilizes one tank only and it is not a device designed        to keep items refrigerated under a controlled temperature.

None of the prior art has a method of system or apparatus to prevent orstop any freezing of an item or the freezing of an area.

None of the prior art has a method of system or apparatus to prevent theforming of the dry-ice while allowing the continuous flow of the CO₂thus preventing dry-ice.

None of the prior art has the ability to control or regulate thetemperature of items or areas to be limited to cooling or maintaining apredetermined temperature and preventing the decrease in temperaturewith the prior art methods or systems to prevent freezing of items orareas intended for the reduction or refrigeration of.

The use of CO₂ as a refrigerant in portable refrigeration similar to thepresent invention has previously been limited to the use of “dry ice”.Dry ice has several drawbacks including: 1) production of dry ice fromliquid CO₂ is relatively inefficient and a significant amount of CO₂ iswasted during the process, 2) the temperature of dry ice is too low tobe used in direct contact with many items that require refrigerationtemperature, 3) dry ice must be stored in an insulated container, as itsublimates at room temperature, reducing the dry ice's effective coolingcapacity over time, 4) dry ice can be a safety hazard as its inherenttemperature at atmospheric pressure can cause frostbite almostinstantly.

There is a significant need for an improved apparatus and method toutilize CO₂ as a coolant in various applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a standalone and self-contained cooling systemusing compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ containers positioned in aninsulated or non-insulated vessel and consisting of a specially designedunit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or inan upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO₂ coolant is thenreleased into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate orheat exchanger thus leveraging the CO₂ coolant properties.

The temperature is controlled by a metering CO₂ releasing systemencompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotelyand/or via a touch screen and which sends alerts when pre-definedthresholds are exceeded.

The invention's metering CO₂ releasing system may be triggered by anelectronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by anelectronic solenoid. The invention's cooling system also encompassescheck valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas CO₂ from escaping whenremoving or replacing CO₂ containers individually.

The present invention consists of self-contained cooling system(s) usingcompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ as coolant to refrigerate, cool orfreeze items inside a portable insulated or non-insulated vessel. Thepresent invention is capable of providing a controlled, steady andconstant flow of liquid and/or gas CO₂ thus maintaining the items inneed to be refrigerated, cooled or frozen at the desired temperature.

The present invention relates to the field of providing a source ofcooling to desired temperatures going from cool to cold to freezingdepending upon the product which is desired to be kept cold within thecooler or ice chest.

This invention relates to the field of providing constant and controlledcooling temperatures to various items using refillable CO₂ canisters asrefrigerant without the necessity of electricity and without thenecessity of having to have a built-in cooling unit within thecontainer.

The following words: a) canister, b) cylinder, c) cartridge and d) tankare used interchangeably throughout this text to indicate the CO₂refillable container.

The following words: a) release valve, b) control valve and c) dispensevalve are used interchangeably throughout this text to indicate thereleasing member allowing the liquid and/or gas the CO₂ to bedistributed into the invention's cooling system in a controlled manner.

It has been discovered that the present invention provides the followingadvantages for using liquid CO₂, among the advantages including 1)liquid CO₂ is storable at standard ambient conditions, 2) coolingcapacity does not degrade with length of storage, 3) there is noresidual liquid CO₂ after cooling capacity is exhausted, 4) temperatureis continuously variable from ambient to below −40° F. allowing, forexample, to maintain ice cream frozen or to keep organs at a constanttemperature for transplant transportation, 5) coolant is easily replacedwithout the need to remove material from the container volume, 6) CO₂containers and refilling of CO₂ containers are already commonlyavailable (e.g. beverage and paintball industry), 7) CO₂ is not wet oreasily spillable as it is in a pressurized container.

The invention's cooling system is comprised of: a) one or morecompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ container(s); b) a heat exchanger plateconnected to a manifold block; c) capillary tube(s) embedded in the heatexchanger plate to allow the coolant to be distributed homogenouslyalong the said heat exchanger plate; d) a manifold block where the CO₂container(s) is/are screwed into or attached on; e) check valves whichare used to avoid CO₂ from escaping when removing or replacingcontainers individually; f) a metering CO₂ control releasing system anda control algorithm for controlling, monitoring and regulating,automatically or manually, the release of the liquid and/or gas CO₂inside the invention's cooling system; g) a control valve, as part ofthe metering CO₂ control releasing system, which releases the liquidand/or gas CO₂ in the capillary tube(s) and which has been specificallycustomized to prevent freezing, clogging and blocking of the capillarytube(s) by calibrating the optimal flow of liquid and/or gas CO₂; thecontrol valve may be electronically, thermostatically, manually orelectromechanically operated; h) an electronic unit to operate theinvention's metering CO₂ control releasing system which may be operatedusing a touch screen or, remotely, using a smartphone application or anyother electronic devices; the invention's cooling system has differentvariations according to the type of release valve and to the number ofCO₂ container(s).

The liquid and/or gas CO₂ containers are positioned in the inventionvertically in an upright or upside-down position.

When the CO₂ container(s) is/are in an upright position, the invention'scontrol valve has a siphon tube of a suitable length to be able to reachthe bottom of the CO₂ container. The siphon tube allows the liquid CO₂to flow from the bottom to the top of CO₂ container and then to exitthrough the invention's control or release valve.

When the CO₂ container(s) is/are in an upside-down position, because ofthe gravity force, the liquid or gaseous CO₂ flows from the CO₂container and exits through the invention's control or release valve.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a specialdesigned manifold block where the CO₂ container(s) are placed on, andwhich allows the passage of the refrigerant from the CO₂ container(s)into the invention's cooling system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling systemcontaining a heat transfer plate (also referred to as heat exchanger)and liquid and/or gas CO₂ distribution through capillary tubes embeddedin the said heat exchanger to maximize energy transfer from the liquidand/or gas CO₂ to the contents of a vessel which may or may not beinsulated, thereby keeping the vessels' contents at a desiredtemperature.

It is additionally an object of the present invention to providecapillary tube(s) to convey the liquid and/or gas CO₂ along the heattransfer plate of the invention's cooling systems. The capillary tube(s)allows the flow of the liquid and/or gas CO₂ being released for thepurpose of maintaining or reducing the temperature of the containersbeing cooled by the cooling systems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a meteringCO₂ control releasing system for the CO₂ release which enables thecontrolled release of the liquid and/or gas CO₂ inside the invention'scooling systems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide release valve(also referred to as control valves), as part of the metering CO₂control releasing system, which can be controlled or actuated manually,electromechanically, electronically or thermostatically, to release theliquid and/or CO₂ from the CO₂ containers into the invention's coolingsystems. The invention's control valves are specifically designed toprevent the freezing and clogging and blocking of the capillary(s)tubing by calibrating the control valves to flow the optimal amount ofliquid and/or gas CO₂. Without the inventions control valves in theinvention's cooling systems, the invention's capillary tubes could beclogged or blocked or frozen not allowing the liquid and/or gas CO₂ tobe properly released. The invention's designed cooling systems arecapable of providing a steady and constant flow of liquid and/or gas CO₂to insulated or non-insulated portable units (i.e.: ice chests, coolers,lunch boxes), stationary units (i.e.: refrigerators, freezers),compartments of vehicles (i.e.: trunk or cabinet located in a car orautonomous vehicles), aircrafts, small unmanned aerial vehicles (drone),motorcycles, scooters or bicycles.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a coolingsystem with multi-CO₂ containers with configuration that comprises checkvalves. The check valves are used between the container manifold blockand the connections joining the CO₂ containers. This eliminates liquidand/or gas CO₂ from escaping when removing or replacing tanksindividually. The compressed CO₂ containers are positioned in theinvention's specifically designed cooling systems in a vertical uprightor upside-down position in order to maintain the CO₂ liquid and gasbalance within the CO₂ container when the liquid/and or gas is expelledfrom said container.

It has been discovered according to the present invention that when theCO₂ container(s) is(are) in an upright position, the invention's controlvalve has a siphon tube of a suitable length able to reach the bottom ofthe CO₂ container. The siphon tube allows the liquid CO₂ to flow fromthe bottom to the top of CO₂ container and then to exit through theinvention's control valve.

It has further been discovered according to the present invention thatwhen the CO₂ container(s) is(are) in an upside-down position, the liquidgoes down because of gravity force and the liquid CO₂ flows from thebottom to the top of CO₂ container and then exits through theinventions' control valve.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide ametering CO₂ control releasing system which is monitored, controlled andoperated electronically using a touch screen or, remotely, using asmartphone application or any other electronic devices. The invention'smetering CO₂ control releasing system has different configurationsaccording to the type of release valve and to the number of CO₂container(s).

It is also an important object of the present invention to providecooling systems that also includes an electronic control device poweredby battery, solar panel or +12V socket in the car, which allows tomonitor and control temperatures, control algorithms, and a metering CO₂control releasing system. These components are attached to, or enclosedin, or can be placed in any kind and any size insulated or non-insulatedvessels to minimize heat transfer with the environment.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system whichcontains an electronic control strategy using encrypted data to avoidspoofing, intrusion, interference, meaconing, jamming or datafalsification. To encrypt the transmitted data a message authenticationcode (MAC) method will be used. Because an active control (electronic)is the most accurate, flexible, and easy to operate, it is envisionedthat this is the preferred embodiment. Data is transmitted from theactive controllers of the inventions' cooling systems via WiFi,Bluetooth and Radio Frequencies to a smartphone or tablet or a server orany kind of other device will be encrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusion,interference, meaconing, jamming or falsifying data.

It is additionally an object of the present invention to provide acooling system which can be transported, stored and moved to locationswhich do not have electricity connections, where electrical service hasbeen disrupted (e.g. utility power outage) or which do not haveconventional methods for refrigerating, cooling or freezing.

The invention of the cooling systems was envisioned by the inventorsworking together on delivering the optimum cooling system which resultsin cooling temperatures utilizing liquid and/or gas CO₂ to insulated andnot-insulated vessels, containers, compartments, enclosed areas, coolingsystems claimed in this invention utilizing any type and size of CO₂containers positioned on, in or near an area where there is a need ordesire to reduce or to maintain a specified or required temperature.

Many additional features, apparatus and methods of the present inventionare described in the following paragraphs.

The design is specific for the use of coolers and can be also designedfor any type of system that is in need of refrigeration. The inventionis not required to have any specially made cooler as it is a standaloneand can be designed specific.

The present invention includes a specially designed insulated coolerwhich embeds the invention's cooling system and the electronic controldevice to monitor and control the temperature.

The present invention includes an additional accessory that can beplaced into the cooler to produce ice on a specially designed ice makingsystem in a period of time from 1 to 10 minutes. The mechanism to conveythe liquid and/or gas CO₂ into the specially designed ice making systemmay be directly connected to the capillary assembly. The speciallydesigned ice making accessory includes: a) a connection assembly to theprincipal unit of this invention, b) an ice tray block which is attachedto a bottom cold disbursement plate with fasteners, c) a containmenttray which holds the water or other liquids where the cold is dispersedinto; d) a divider which will be full of water or other liquids. Theplate assembly is fastened together by ice tray bottom plate fasteners.

The present invention includes a cooling system for individual beveragecontainers such as cans/bottles or individual containers, which needs tobe cooled or to be maintained at a cooled temperature or frozen. Thisinvention's cooling system has a circular designed casing which, exceptfor the top of the cooling unit, is enclosed allowing for a beveragecontainer to be placed into it. The cooling unit has the invention'scontrol system utilizing the manual, electromechanical, electronic orthermostatic valve depending and according to the type of beverage(s)intended or desired to be cooled.

The present invention also includes a portable cooling system equippedwith wheels to be easily transported and which can be easily connectedto a refrigerator through a suitable connector designed in collaborationto the refrigerators' makers or a capillary passing through therefrigerator's door gasket in order to deliver CO₂ as a coolant to therefrigerator when a power supply outage occurs. The CO₂ canister is inthe upright position with a siphon tube of a suitable length able toreach the bottom of the CO₂ container. The siphon tube allows the liquidCO₂ to flow from the bottom to the top of CO₂ container and then to exitthrough the invention's control or release valve. This invention'scooling system is envisioned to be specifically designed to be connectedand attached to the refrigerator system to minimize or eliminate theamount of heat transfer from the refrigerator to the externalenvironment.

The present invention additionally includes a system designed totransport goods, which need controlled refrigeration such as medical,pharmaceutical, foods and any other small cooled or frozen items using aSmall Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV, also called “Drone”). Thisinvention's cooling system is envisioned to be specifically designed tobe connected and attached to a specific drone according to itsmechanical elements.

This disclosure focuses on the system as a whole as well as theelectronic control strategy. Because the electronic control systemutilizing smartphone communication for monitoring and control and othersensing options is the most accurate, flexible and easy to operate, itis envisioned as the preferred embodiment. Other options such asincorporating a manual, electromechanical or thermostatic CO₂ releasingmechanism are envisioned.

The present invention, either standalone or embedded in a speciallydesigned insulated cooler, can be applied to refrigerate, cool or freezeindividual bottles, cans or containers, insulated or non-insulatedportable units (i.e.: ice chests, coolers, lunch boxes), stationaryunits (i.e.: refrigerators, freezers), compartments of vehicles (i.e.:trunk or other cabinets of trucks, cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicyclesor autonomous vehicles), compartments of aircrafts or small containerstransported by drones.

Further novel features and other objects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, discussion andthe appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustrationonly and not limitation, there is illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present inventioncooling apparatus utilizing a single CO₂ cylinder threaded into a singlemanifold block which in turn is connected to a valve which in turn isconnected to a capillary, the valve operated manually (first variation);

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 to showthe cross-sectional components illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the components in FIG. 1 illustrating thesingle CO₂, manifold and other components in their separate condition;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention in the firstvariation with a valve operated manually;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the manifold block;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the capillary assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the manual valve;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the manual valve;

FIG. 5 is a representation of the second variation of this inventionwhere the release valve is operated electronically;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional lateral view of the electronic releasevalve;

FIG. 5B is another cross-sectional top view of the electronic releasevalve;

FIG. 5C illustrates an electronic display where the temperaturesoutside, inside and at the upper surface of the heat exchanger arevisualized and controlled;

FIG. 5D illustrates the block diagram of the electronic control device;

FIG. 5E illustrates the flowchart of the software program running on theelectronic control device hardware;

FIG. 6 is a representation of the third variation of the presentinvention with a release valve operated thermostatically;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the thermostatic valve;

FIG. 7 is a representation of the fourth variation of the presentinvention with a release valve activated by an electronic solenoid;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the manifold block including theelectronic solenoid;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the electronic solenoid;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the manifold block including theelectronic solenoid;

FIG. 8 is a representation of the fifth variation of the invention'scooling system in the variation with three CO₂ canisters and with arelease valve which is manually operated;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 to show the cross-sectionalcomponents illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a representation of the interior components of the fourthvariation illustrated in FIG. 8 with the top plate removed;

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the fluid communication assembly of thefourth variation of the invention's cooling system;

FIG. 8D is a representation of the top plate which covers the heatexchanger;

FIG. 8E is a cross sectional view of the ⅛″ cross fitting member;

FIG. 8F is a cross sectional view of check valve;

FIG. 8G is an exploded view of the male compression fitting of the checkvalve;

FIG. 8H is an exploded view of the female compression fitting of thecheck valve;

FIG. 9 is a representation of the sixth variation of the invention'scooling system in the configuration with three CO₂ canisters and with arelease valve which is electronically operated;

FIG. 9A is a view of the bottom of the invention's cooling system in thefifth variation;

FIG. 9B is a representation of the interior components of the fifthvariation illustrated in FIG. 9 with the top plate removed;

FIG. 9C is an exploded view of the fluid communication assembly of thefifth variation of the invention's cooling system;

FIG. 10 is a representation of the seventh variation of the invention'scooling system in the configuration with three CO₂ canisters and with arelease valve which is thermostatically operated;

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the fluid communication assembly of thesixth variation of the invention's cooling system;

FIG. 11 is an exploded representation of the eighth variation of theinvention's cooling system which includes an accessory to make ice in arange from 1 to maximum 10 minutes;

FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the fluid communication assembly of icemaking accessory mechanism;

FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of the block used for the ice traydesign;

FIG. 11C is a prospective view of the heat exchanger used in the icemaking accessory mechanism;

FIG. 11D is a prospective view of the water containment tray used in theice making accessory mechanism;

FIG. 11E is a prospective view of the water divider used in the icemaking accessory mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a representation of the present invention's cooling systemcommunicating with a smartphone device through Wifi, Bluetooth orRadio-Frequency communication;

FIG. 13 is a representation of the present invention's cooling systemcommunicating with a smartphone device through Wifi, Bluetooth orRadio-Frequency communication using encrypted algorithm;

FIG. 14 is a representative example of the use of the present inventioncooling system to refrigerate a unit;

FIG. 15 is a representation of the application of the invention'scooling system to portable individual containers for beverages such ascans or bottles, expressed breast milk or other beverages or foods oritems that need to be cooled or to be maintained at a controlledtemperature;

FIG. 16 is a representation of the application of the present inventioncooling system to items which need to be maintained refrigerated,cooled, or frozen and need to be transported using a small unmannedaerial vehicle also called drones; and

FIG. 17 is a representation of the present invention's cooling systemembedded in a cooler which includes the electronic unit control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings, it should be understood thatsuch embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative ofbut a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which canrepresent applications of the principles of the present invention.Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art towhich the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit,scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined inthe appended claims.

Defined broadly, the present invention is an apparatus and method formaintaining items such as beverages, food and other items in need ofrefrigeration in a cool, cold or freezing temperature to preserve theitems for an extended period of time, as required by the item.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, there is illustrated an embodiment ofthe present invention cooling system utilizing a single CO₂ cartridge.There is illustrated as a system 10 a single CO₂ cartridge 20. The CO₂cartridge 20 has an exterior circumferential wall 22 and a top wall 24surrounding a first interior chamber 26 which contains CO₂ 28 underpressure. The bottom of the cartridge 20 is connected through a curvedcircumferential wall 27 to a tube member 23 which has threads 29thereon. Also illustrated is the block manifold 30 having a top 32 withinternal threads 34 leading to a second interior chamber 36. The secondinterior chamber 36 is surrounded by an L-shaped tube 38 (shown indashed lines) that extends from the tube 29 of the CO₂ cartridge 20 andending in a manual valve 40. The valve in turn is in fluid communicationwith a capillary unit 50 having a capillary tube 52 in fluidcommunication with tube 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is also illustrated an exploded view of thesystem 100 with the CO₂ cartridge 120, the manifold block 130 which isconnected to the manual valve 140 through the member 149 which has acavity to allow the passage of CO₂. The capillary tube 150 is connectedto the manual valve 140 through a threaded member 159 having an internalcavity to allow the passage of the CO₂.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the manifold block 130 having amanifold internal chamber 132 obtained from the manifold block 135, themanifold internal chamber 132 having an internal wall 131, being fixedto the block through the first circumferential wall 136 and beingconnected to the cavity 137 through the second interior chamber 133,thus forming an L-shaped tube which allows the passage of the CO₂ fromthe refillable tank or cartridge 120 to the valve 140 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of thecapillary unit 250 with the tube element 251 connected to a bolt 255having a hollow opening 252 to allow the passage of CO₂ 28 and having anexternal male threads 244 mating where the female thread mating 254 isscrewed into through the connector junction 253.

FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view ofthe manual valve 340 respectively, which has a stem 342 going into themain body 347, having a top side 341, an O-ring 343, and two threadedcavities 344 (inlet), and 346 (outlet) respectively which have thepurpose to connect the valve to the manifold block 130 of FIG. 2 fromone side, and to the capillary unit 250 of FIG. 3 from the other side.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B and 5C, there is illustrated a secondvariation of the present invention cooling system utilizing a single CO₂cartridge as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A operated by an electronicvalve 540 and an electronic control device 560. The electronic valve 540is located between the manifold block 530 having the same technicalcharacteristics of the one described in FIGS. 1B and 2A and thecapillary unit 550 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The member 543 serves as aconnector junction between the manifold block 530 and the capillary unit550. The electronic control device 560 evaluates the temperature of thecooler and its surroundings and electronically opens the electronicvalve 540 to release liquid CO₂ 28 through a capillary 550 until a setthreshold temperature inside the cooler is achieved. The electroniccontrol device has been specifically designed with a display 561 showingthree controlled temperatures (outside the cooler, inside the cooler andat the upper surface of the heat exchanger) and two configurationsbuttons 562. A schematic diagram of the electronic control device is setforth in FIG. 5D. FIGS. 5A and 5B represent two differentcross-sectional views of the electronic valve respectively 540A and 540Bwith the valve body 541A and 541B which has a valve stem 544A and 544B,a valve plunger 542A, 542B, 542C, two disks, a conduct opening 545A and545B where the CO₂ pass by.

FIG. 5D represent a schematic view of the electronic control device. Thecontrol device has 9 subsystems in its electronics. Each system isspecifically tuned to work in conjunction with every other system in thenetwork, providing maximum interoperability. The primary system is theMCU 568 which interprets all input and determines output from thosefactors.

Then there are the output systems. These consist of the Display 561, theValve (through the Step Up Converter) 540, the Bluetooth Radio 564, andthe Indicator Lights 566. The Display 561 is responsible for outputtingall information to the user, except what is provided by the indicatorlights 566; however, there may be redundancy between the informationconveyed. The Valve controls the flow of CO₂ in the system and thus,regulates temperature. The Bluetooth Radio 564 provides a means ofcommunication between the companion app and also functions as an input.The Indicator Lights 566 are responsible for making available the mostimportant information to the user.

Related to the output systems are the input systems. These include theTouch Screen 562, the Digital Temperature Sensors 565, and the BluetoothRadio 564. The Touch Screen 562 provides all input to the device savefor what is provided by the companion app, there may be overlap betweenthe two. The Digital Temperature Sensors 565 are responsible for sensingthe temperature, they are digital to provide a greater degree ofaccuracy and precision. The Bluetooth Radio 564 functions as a means ofcommunication between the companion app and the Frostime unit. It alsofunctions as an output.

In addition to those systems mentioned above, the electronic controldevice also has two systems required for full operation. These are theStorage system 567 and the Step Up Converter 563. The Storage system 567stores all data collected by the electronic control device so that itmay be retrieved later, it may be thought of as an input and output forthe MCU 568 but is not intended to be directly accessed by the user. TheStep Up Converter 563 is required to couple the MCU 568 and the Valvesystems 540 together due to their electrical differences.

FIG. 5E is a representation of the electronic control device softwareflowchart. The moment the power switch is toggled into the “On” position5001 by the user, the electronic control of the invention's coolingsystem begins its startup routine labeled 5000. The routine proceeds asfollows. First the Touch Screen/Display module 5002 is powered andinitialized. Then the temperature sensors 5003 are initialized.

After all sensors and hardware has been initialized, the temperature isdisplayed 5004 to the display and the control unit software enters itsprimary operating routine 5005. This routine conditionally executessubroutines based on measurements performed and preset timers. It isresponsible for changing the valve from open to close to regulatetemperature based on data from the temperature sensors, as well asdetecting and handling input from the touchscreen and displaying data toit.

The first condition checked 5006 is whether or not the displayedtemperature has been updated in the last 15 seconds. If it has not been,the temperature on the display is updated 5007 and also saved to a logfile 5008. Next, regardless of the previous condition, the controlelectronic software checks if the touch screen has been pressed 5009. Ifthis is true, it checks specifically if the valve button was pressed5011. If so, Auto mode is disabled 5012 and the position of the valve istoggled from its current state to the opposite one (open to close 5013A,close to open 5013B).

If the valve button was not pressed 5014, but there was still atouchscreen touch detected 5009, the Auto Mode is enabled 5015. In thismode the device will open and close the valve to maintain the settemperature, further description of this mode can be gained in theadditional description of the main routine below.

If none of the above touch screen events have occurred, but there wasstill a touch, the control software then checks if the touch was in thesliding temperature adjustment interface 5016. If it was, the graphicslider is adjusted to represent the set temperature 5017 and the new setpoint is displayed 5018. It does so by changing its rightmost endpointto the point of touch.

If neither the valve, the auto mode, nor the slider were touched, thecontrol software of the invention's cooling system performs one lastcheck 5019 to see if its units' button has been touched. If so the unitsare toggled from Fahrenheit to Celsius or Celsius to Fahrenheitdepending on the initial units at the time of the press 5020. Finally,in the event of a touch, after all buttons are checked, the internaltouch registers containing information about where the touch took placeare reset in order to be ready for the next touch event 5021.

After checking the touch screen for input 5009, the control software ofthe invention's cooling system checks if auto mode is enabled 5010, ifso it echoes the valve's current state 5022 to the display via a greenlight to represent an On valve 5023A and a red light to indicate and Offvalve 5023B.

Then Bluetooth Connectivity is checked 5024. If it is connected, thenthe temperature of the valve is sent to the app 5025 as well as thetemperature the device is set to maintain 5026.

Next, the device checks the temperature. If this temperature is abovethe set point selected by the user plus a small preset deadband value5027 to reduce unnecessary cycling of the valve, the valve is opened5028. Next, the device checks if the temperature is below the set pointminus a small preset deadband value 5029. If this is the case, thedevice's valve is set to the off, closed position 5030.

Finally, the device performs another check 5031 for any receivedBluetooth commands. If one command was received, it is executed 5032.

This concludes the primary operating routine; it is repeated 5033 untilthe power switch is switched to the “Off” position.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B, there is illustrated a third variationof the present invention utilizing a thermostatic poppet valve 640. Thethermostatic poppet valve 640 is specially designed and allows theliquid or gas CO₂ 28 to flow from the CO₂ cartridge 620 screwed onto themanifold block 630 to the capillary tube 650 connected to thethermostatic poppet valve 640 through the connector 652.

FIG. 6A displays a cross-sectional view of the thermostatic poppet valve640 in the closed position. The body of the valve 640A has a head 641which encapsulates a wax or polymer. As the temperature increases, thepolymer or wax expands and pushes down plunger 642, allowing flow fromthe entrance from the pipe nipple 645 to the exit 649. The spring 648applies force to the plunger to prevent it from not sealing when theunit is not under pressure, this is called preloading. A pressure reliefhole 643 prevents the forming of a too great stress caused by too muchpressure in the unit in cases of unusually extreme pressures. Set screw646 is used in conjunction with a set screw hole 651 to retain thespring and allow the passage of fluid. Parts 644A, 644B and 644C aresealing O-rings. Part 641A is a jam nut to allow the thermostatic poppetvalve 640 to be placed at the correct depth. Part 640A is the main bodyof the thermostatic poppet valve 640 and this can also be considered amanifold.

FIG. 6B displays the exploded view of the thermostatic poppet valve 640having the main body 640A which has a thermostatic actuator 641 and isconnected to the manifold block through a set of screws 647A and 647B.On the opposite side of the main body 646 is a set screw with a hole toretain the spring 648 and allow the passage of fluid.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C there is illustrated a fourthvariation of the present invention which uses a solenoid valve includedinto the manifold block which replaces the release valve's operation ofthe previous six variations and allows the flow of the liquid or gas CO₂to pass directly from the canister to the capillary assembly. FIG. 7represent an exploded view of an upside-down CO₂ canister 720 having theidentical cross-sectional view as illustrated in FIG. 1A and operated byan electronic solenoid 731 which allows the flow of the CO₂ to thecapillary assembly 750 which comprehends the same elements as detailedin FIG. 3. When the electronic solenoid 731 is actuated, it presses onthe lever linage 734 and 735 illustrated in FIG. 7A, and opens the valveon 720 to allow the flow of CO₂. In this variation the valve iselectromechanically controlled by an electric current through asolenoid.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded view of manifold 730 including asolenoid 731, a preload spring 737, a shaft 732, a plunger 733, a leverhinge pin 734 and an actuator lever 735.

When normally closed, a plunger return spring 737 holds the plunger 733against the orifice of the CO₂ canister, preventing flow through thevalve. When the solenoid is energized, a magnetic field is produced,actuating the lever and in turn raising the plunger and allowing flowthrough the valve.

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the electronic solenoid comprised of amain coil 740, plunger 733, O-ring 736, and wire leads 737.

FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of manifold 730 with outerwall 741, CO₂ canister receptacle 732, CO₂ chamber 733, solenoid threads734, shaft cavity 745, lever hinge pin hole 737, and fluid communicationoutlet 739 which is in communication with the capillary assembly 750illustrated in FIG. 7.

Multiple solenoid valves can be placed together on a manifold thusreproducing configuration with three CO₂ canisters upside-down.

A more common embodiment for the present invention is to use amultiplicity of inverted CO₂ cylinders. By way of example, one preferredembodiment is to have three CO₂ cylinders. Referring to FIG. 8, there isillustrated the embodiment of the present invention cooling systemhaving a multiplicity of upside down CO₂ containers and in this case,three CO₂ containers. The embodiment is numbered with the series 800 andrepresents the fifth variation of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of one of the upside down CO₂containers 820A to illustrate the details of the components.Specifically, cylinder 820A has an exterior wall 822A and a top 824Awhich surround an interior chamber 826A containing CO₂ 828A underpressure. Similarly, as illustrated in the exploded view in FIG. 1A, thebottom of the inverted CO₂ cartridge 820A contains a tube 823Asurrounded by threads 829A. It will be appreciated that althoughcross-sectional views of the other two inverted CO₂ cylinders are notshown, they have the same internal configuration. Internal CO₂ cylinder820B has an exterior wall 822B and a top 824B which would surround aninterior chamber containing CO₂ under pressure. Similarly, CO₂ container820C which has an exterior wall 822C and a top 824C which surrounds aninterior chamber containing CO₂ under pressure. The three CO₂ cartridges824A, 824B and 824C are operated by a manual valve 840 and they arethreaded into a manifold block 830 which is connected to a heatexchanger 870. It will be appreciated that although cross-sectionalviews of the manual valve are not shown, they have the sameconfiguration as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A. A diagram of the heatexchanger is set forth in FIG. 8B and an exploded view of the valves'system for the embodiment with three CO₂ cylinders is set forth in FIG.8C.

In FIGS. 8B and 8C there is illustrated respectively an internal and anexploded view of the embodiment with the three CO₂ cylinders 820A, 820Band 820C operated by manual valve 840 without the top plate which is setforth in FIG. 8D and numbered with the series 881. In FIG. 8 there isalso illustrated the manifold block 830 having the purpose to connectthe three above-mentioned CO₂ cylinders to a fluid communication systemcomposed of a manual valve 840, three check valves 890A, 890B and 890Cwhich are fitted into a ⅛″ cross fitting member 881 and a capillary tube850 which has the purpose to convey the liquid or gas CO₂ into the heatexchanger 870.

In FIG. 8C there is illustrated an exploded view of the above-mentionedfluid communication system which includes three check valves 890A, 890Band 890C, five connection elements 880A, 880B, 880C, 881 and 892, twoconnection tubes 891A and 891B and the element 852 in direct connectionto the capillary tube 850 which is embedded into the heat exchanger 870.

In FIG. 8D there is illustrated the top plate 871 which is coupled tothe main embodiment with screws in the points 871B, 871C, 871D and 871Eand through two slots numbered 871F and 871G. The hole 871H isspecifically designed to receive the manual valve 840 as illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIG. 8E illustrates a cross sectional view of the ⅛″ cross fittingmember having four female threads mating 881A, 881B, 881C and 881D whereall the other elements of the fluid communication system are connectedinto.

FIG. 8F illustrates a cross sectional view of one check valve 890A. Itwill be appreciated that although cross-sectional views of the checkvalves 890B and 890C are not shown, they have the same configuration asillustrated in FIG. 8D. The main body 890AA presents an inlet opening890AF where the liquid or gas CO₂ passes by, goes through the spring890AB and exits from the outlet 890AC. The ball check in 890AD stops thereverse flow of CO2 if the canister 820 is disconnected from themanifold 830

Referring to FIGS. 8G and 8H there is illustrated an exploded view ofrespectively a male and a female connection fitting. In FIG. 8G isillustrated one of the two identical male compression fitting 880A, theother one being 880C, which connects the check valve 890A to a tube 891Ain communication with the cross fitting member of FIG. 8E through thefemale compression fitting 880B which is illustrated in the explodedview in FIG. 8H. Both, male and female compression fittings, haveconnection members, respectively 880AB, 880AC, 880AD in FIG. 8G and880BA, 880BB and 880BC in FIG. 8H, which are chosen to perfectly fitwith the check valves at one end and with the cross fitting member atthe opposite end without any kind of leakage.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C, this illustrates the sixthvariation of the invention's cooling system with one complete embodimentoperating with an electronic valve in the configuration with three CO₂upside-down cartridges. This variation includes an electronic control asillustrated in FIG. 5D which has a sensor which evaluates thetemperature of the cooler and its surrounding to determine what thetemperature is and to determine what the required cooling or freezingtemperature needs to be achieved. After the electronic control deviceperforms this analysis, the electronic control device electrically opensthe electronic valve 940 to release liquid CO₂ through a capillary 950in the heat exchanger plate 970 until a set threshold temperature insidethe cooler is achieved. The configuration includes a multiplicity ofinverted CO₂ cartridges in a manifold block 930 which is affixed to theheat transfer plate 970, and through the manifold block 930, the CO₂cartridges are coupled to the check valves 990A, 990B, 990C which arecontrolled by the electronic valve 940 which in turn is controlled bythe electronic control device 960. Once the electronic control devicedetermines the amount of cooling temperature or freezing temperaturerequired for the specific application, it sends a signal to theelectronic control valve 940 to open to permit CO₂ from the interiorchambers of the cartridges 920A, 920B and 920C to flow through the checkvalves 990A, 990B, 990C and into the capillary 950 where it isdistributed to the location for cooling. The heat transfer plate 970facilitates the cooling transfer from the capillary to the area to becooled or frozen. This in effect is the basic principle of the presentinvention and other variations using different components achieve thesame result but different components may be used for differentapplications.

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the heat exchanger 970 in the variation withthree CO₂ cartridges 920A, 920B and 920C. Items 970A and 970B affix theheat exchanger plate 970 to the manifold block 930.

FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate respectively a prospective view and anexploded view of the fluid communication assembly in the sixth variationof the invention's embodiment. The fluid communication system has thesame description of FIG. 8A with the only difference represented by thevalve which now is an electronic valve 940. The connector member 943serves as a junction between the manifold block 930 and the capillaryunit 950.

FIGS. 10 and 10A are respectively a top perspective view and a fluidcommunication assembly exploded view of a sixth variation of the presentinvention which contains the same components described in detail inFIGS. 9, 9B and 9C for the sixth variation of the present invention withthe only difference being that instead of having the electronic control940 to determine how much CO₂ needs to be released for the requiredtemperature, that is replaced by a thermostat valve 1940 connected tothe fluid communication assembly through the connector members 1942,1943 and 1944. All of the components are numbered the same with anadditional number 1000. For example, instead of each of the cylindersbeing 920A, the cylinders are now 1920A etc. A polymeric or wax-basedthermostatic actuator 1945 is connected to a poppet valve 1940 whichreleases CO₂ through a capillary tube 1950 and into the heat exchangerplate 1970 when the valve is at a predetermined temperature. Wax-basedor polymeric thermostatic valves operate by pre-determined temperature.Wax-based or polymeric thermostatic valves operate by exploiting thethermal expansion of wax. As the wax or polymer begins to melt, the waxor polymer expands and opens the valve. As the system begins to cool,the wax or polymer solidifies and closes the valve. The temperature atwhich the wax or polymer begins to melt is dependent on its formulationand is selected based on its desired operating temperatures. Gas entersthrough the check valves body 1990A, 1990B and 1990C and then flowsthrough the ⅛″ copper tubing 1991A and 1991B. Then the gas enters the ⅛″NPT T connectors that have female threads on all three entrances 1942and 1944 and goes into a ⅛″ NPT 90 deg fitting with on threaded sidemale and the other threaded side female 1941 to that the thermostaticpoppet valve 1940 attaches to. The gas then goes into the capillaryassembly 1952 and finally exits the capillary tube 1950. To attach thecopper tubing female compression fittings 1980A and 1980C, and malecompression fittings 1980B and 1980D are used. To attach the Tconnectors together a ⅛″ NPT nipple 1943 with male threads on both sidesis used.

Referring to FIG. 11 the design assembly of an ice cube tray that can beattached to a CO₂ manifold is illustrated. This is the seventh variationof the invention's cooling system. The mechanism which is illustrated inFIG. 11 allows to form ice in a period of time from 1 to 10 minutes.Exploded view of FIG. 11 highlights the units' components andsub-assemblies. CO₂ enters into the entrance hose 7950 and is pushedthrough a female quick disconnect coupler 7951 and male quick disconnectcoupler 7952 into an ice tray block 7953 which is attached to the bottomcold disbursement plate 7770 with ice tray block fasteners 7954A and7954B. The CO₂ then enters the capillary assembly 7500 and exits thecapillary tube 7501 into the bottom cold disbursement plate 7770. Thecold is then dispersed through the water containment tray 7760 and intothe water divider 7780 which will be full of water. The plate assemblyis fastened together by the ice tray bottom plate fasteners 7772.

FIG. 11A illustrates an exploded view of the capillary assembly 7500.CO₂ enters the capillary tube female fitting 7504 and then enters thecapillary tube 7501. To hold the capillary tube in place a capillarytube flare fitting 7503 is used and the capillary tube male fitting 7502is used to compress the flare and hold it in place.

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross section 7900 of the block used for the icetray design. Gas enters the ⅛″ NPT female thread for fitting 7558 andthen exits the 10-32 female thread for capillary attachment 7559. Thecapillary assemble could not be put on without making a cut out forsocket to attach capillary assembly 7955 in order to reduce the overalllength. The ice tray block housing 7956 is attached through the ice trayblock bolt holes 7957A and 7957B.

FIG. 11C represents an overall view of the cold disbursement plate 7770.Gas enters through the cold disbursement plate capillary inlet hole 7774and flows through the cold disbursement plate gas flow channel 7776. Thegas then exits through the exit holes 7775. To attach the block, twothreaded block fastener holes 7773A, 7773B are included to attach thewater tray 760, items 7771A, 7771B, 7771C and 7771D are included. Thecold is then dispersed through the water containment tray 7760. Forlabeling purposes the top of the cold disbursement plate is 7777.

FIG. 11D illustrates an overall view of the water containment tray 7760.As the cold disbursement plate 7770 of FIG. 11C is cooling, the firstthing that cools is the water containment tray bottom 7762. As the coldtransfers through the containment tray the water containment tray front7761 and the water containment tray side 7763 also cool.

FIG. 11E represents a water divider 7780. As the water containment traycools, water divider mating side to the water containment tray 7782cools first and then the water divider side that separates the water7783 cools and finally the water divider top 7781 gets cold. The overallfreezing process takes from 1 to 10 minutes in total.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated the representation of datacommunication between a smartphone 2004 and the electronic controldevice 2060 which controls the invention's cooling system 2020 via WiFi2001, Bluetooth 2002 or Radio Frequency 2003 transmission. Thecommunication is handled by the control software as described in FIG.5E.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is illustrated the representation of dataencryption method 3000 between a smartphone 3001 and the electroniccontrol device 3160 which controls the invention's cooling system 3020.To encrypt the transmitted data a message authentication code (MAC)method will be used with identical keys 3107 and 3108. The encryptionsoftware is included in the app, data are encrypted 3102, sent over theair using a transmission method as described in FIG. 12. The electroniccontrol software running on electronic control device 3160 will receiveencrypted data 3104 and decrypt them 3105 using the MAC algorithm andutilizes the received data to operates the invention's control unit3020.

FIG. 14 represents the application of the invention's cooling system toa refrigerator unit 4001 which can be used in case of power supplyoutage of the main power supply. The liquid or gaseous CO₂ container4020 (can be 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 75 lb portablecompressed/liquefied gas cylinders) is placed in up-right position on atransporter equipped with wheel 4002 which is commercially available.The liquid or gaseous CO₂ is released through a syphon tube 4005 flowinginto a release valve 4040 which can be electronic or manual orthermostat and through an additional capillary tube 4050 which isconnected to a refrigerator unit through a hole 4004 in the refrigeratorgasket 4003. The release mechanism of the CO₂ is the same as describedin FIGS. 1 and 2 if manual valve is used, in FIG. 5 if electronic valveis used and in FIG. 6 if thermostat valve is used.

In FIG. 15 is represented the application of the invention's coolingsystem to refrigerate, cool or freeze an individual item 6001 where asmall cylinder of liquid or gaseous CO₂ 6020 i.e. 12 g disposable metalcanister (soda fountain cartridge) and a coolant chamber 6002 with thecapillary tube(s) 6050 wrapped around the cooling chamber 6002 areutilized. The small cylinder 6020 is affixed to a manifold block 6030and releases liquid or gaseous CO₂ to a release valve 6040 which can bewhich can be electronic or manual or thermostat. The release mechanismof the CO₂ is the same as described in FIGS. 1 and 2 if manual valve isused, in FIG. 5 if electronic valve is used, in FIG. 6 if thermostatvalve is used and in FIG. 7 if electronic solenoid is used.

In FIG. 16 is represented the application of the invention's coolingsystem to a refrigeration unit transported by a Small Unmanned AerialVehicles (SUAVs, also called “Drones”) 7021. The invention's coolingsystem 7020 having a small CO₂ cartridge i.e. 12 g disposable metalcanister (soda fountain cartridge) 7020 similar to the one described inFIG. 15. The invention's cooling system is protected in an insulated ornon-insulated box which is fixed with screws on a base 7002 attached tothe drone.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is illustrated the representation of acooler 8000 with the invention's cooling unit embedded in. The coolerhas a top upper lid 8102 and a top lower lid 8104 containing insulatedmaterial 8103 in between. Same insulated material 8103 is placed betweenthe inner lateral wall 8106 and external lateral wall 8108 and betweenthe bottom external wall 8112 and bottom internal wall 8110. On one ofthe lateral wall the electronic control device 8160 is placed on. Thesaid electronic control device is wired in connection 8109 with theinvention's cooling unit 8100 having 3 upside-down CO₂ canisters 8120, acapillary tube 8150, a heat exchanger 8170 and a manifold block 8130 toscrew into the CO₂ canisters. An internal wall 8180 with the function ofa separator between the invention's cooling unit and the compartment forbeverages and food is also illustrated.

Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to anyparticular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or anyspecific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified invarious particulars or relations without departing from the spirit orscope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of whichthe apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration anddisclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the variousforms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied oroperated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid and/or gas cooling system, comprising:a. at least one compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ container; b. a CO₂refrigerant retained within an interior chamber surrounded by acircumferential sidewall and top of each of said at least one compressedliquid and/or gas CO₂ container; c. a heat transfer plate having atleast an upper surface; d. a manifold block affixed to said uppersurface of said heat transfer plate, the manifold block having a bodyadjacent to an end of the heat transfer plate, female mating threads,and e. said at least one CO₂ compressed liquid and/or gas containerhaving a member in fluid communication with said interior chamber ofsaid at least one compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ container, the memberhaving a circumferential sidewall with mating male threads, the at leastone compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ container placed in an invertedcondition with the male mating threads engaged with and threaded ontothe female mating threads so that the at least one compressed liquidcontainer is retained in an inverted condition in the at least oneopening of the manifold block; f. at least one check valve between themanifold block and the retained at least one compressed liquid and/orgas CO₂ container, the at least one check valve connected to at leastone releasing valve releasing compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ to acapillary tube embedded in the heat transfer plate; and g. the at leastone releasing valve as part of a metering CO₂ control releasing system,which is controlled or actuated selected from the group consisting ofmanually, electromechanically, electronically or thermostatically, torelease liquid and/or gas CO₂ from at least one compressed liquid and/orgas CO₂ container into the cooling system, the at least one releasingvalve metering and controlling the release of compressed liquid and/orgas CO₂ from the at least one compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂container.
 2. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a.the manifold block with at least one opening having the female matingthreads on a surface where the male mating male threads of the at leastone compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ container is screwed into; b. saidmanifold block having an internal cavity where the compressed liquidand/or gas CO₂ is conveyed once released; and c. said internal cavity isin connection with the at least one capillary tube embedded into theheat transfer plate.
 3. The system as described in claim 1, furthercomprising: a. the heat transfer plate is utilized, the heat transferplate made of a material having the capability of transferring heatthrough its surface and containing embedded capillary tube(s) where thecompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ is released by the at least onereleasing valve (either electronic or thermostatic or manual orelectromechanical) into the capillary tube(s); and b. the controlledreduction and steady maintenance of temperature along the heat transferplate allows items to be maintained refrigerated, cooled or frozen. 4.The system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a. the one ormore capillary tube(s) with various widths and lengths are embedded inthe heat transfer plate or wrapped around a cooling chamber designed torefrigerate, cool or freeze beverages including cans, bottles or othersmall items in need of refrigeration, cooling or freezing; b. thevarious widths and lengths of the capillary tube(s) allow an operator tomanually regulate, change or control the flow of compressed liquidand/or gas CO₂ thus acting on the temperature setting and on thequantity of compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ to be released for a moreefficient utilization of the heat transfer plate; and c. the capillarytube(s) convey the compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ along the heattransfer plate, the capillary tube(s) having filters to avoid anyfreezing, clogging or blocking of the compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂flow, the capillary tubes(s) convey the compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂to be safely released from the compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂container(s) in the heat transfer plate, thereby avoiding the compressedliquid and/or gas CO₂ to be directly spilled on the items in need ofrefrigeration.
 5. The system as described in claim 1, furthercomprising: the at least one releasing valve functioning as a manualvalve control for the purpose of opening and releasing compressed liquidand/or gas CO₂ into the capillary tube(s) embedded in the heat transferplate when deemed necessary by a user.
 6. The system as described inclaim 1, further comprising: a. an electronic control device including atransmittal member to transmit encrypted commands to said electroniccontrol device and when a desired cooling temperature is determined, theelectronic control device opens the at least one releasing valve, andcompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ are dispensed through the at least onedispensing valve through the capillary tube(s) embedded in the heattransfer plate with the heat transfer plate providing the coolingtemperature to a selected location; and b. at least an electronic CO₂member functioning as an electronic valve control for the purpose ofevaluating the temperature of a cooler and its surroundings andelectrically open and release compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ into thecapillary tube(s) embedded in the heat transfer plate until a setthreshold temperature inside the cooler is achieved for a desiredperiod(s) and length(s) of time.
 7. The system as described in claim 1,further comprising: a. an electronic control device including atransmittal member to transmit encrypted commands to said electroniccontrol device, and when a desired cooling temperature is determined,the electronic control device opens the at least one releasing valve,and compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ are dispensed through the at leastone releasing valve through the capillary tube(s) embedded in the heattransfer plate with the heat transfer plate providing the coolingtemperature to a selected location; b. at least one electronic solenoidmember included into the manifold block and functioning as a valvecontroller for the purpose of controlling the flow of liquid and/or gasCO₂ into the one or more capillary tubes embedded in the heat transferplate when deemed necessary by the user; c. when the solenoid isenergized, a magnetic field is produced actuating a lever contained inthe manifold block which in turn raises a plunger allowing flow ofcompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ through the at least one releasingvalve; and d. the solenoid CO₂ valve control remains activated forvarious times to control the flow of compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂depending on a desired temperature and/or a desired period(s) andlength(s) of time required or needed.
 8. The system as described inclaim 1, further comprising: a. at least a thermostatic CO₂ memberfunctioning as the at least one releasing valve controlling thetemperature from −78° C. to ambient external temperature to the at leastone compressed liquid and/or gas container; b. the thermostatic CO₂member is a polymeric/wax-based thermostatic valve which operates byexploiting the thermal expansion of a mixture of polymer/wax components;c. as the polymer/wax mixture begins to melt, the material expands andopens the wax-based thermostatic valve; d. as the system begins to cool,the material contracts and solidifies which allows the wax-basedthermostatic valve to close; e. the temperature at which the polymer/waxbegins to melt is dependent on its formulation and is selected based onits desired operating temperatures; and f. when the desired operatingtemperatures are reached, the wax-based thermostatic valve closes for aperiod of time until an operating temperature exceeds a desiredoperating temperature, then the wax-based thermostatic valve opens. 9.The system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a. the at leastone check valve placed between the compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂container's manifold block and the manifold block joining two or morecompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ containers; b. the at least one checkvalve avoids compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ from escaping whenremoving or replacing CO₂ containers individually; and c. the at leastone check valve enables efficient utilization of one or more than onecompressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ containers.
 10. The system as describedin claim 6, further comprising: the electronic control device including:a. a display where the following temperatures are visualized: i)external to the cooler; ii) internal into the cooler; and iii) at theupper surface of the heat exchanger; b. an electronic board for checkingthe current temperatures and sending the desired temperatures to the atleast one releasing valve; c. a wired electronic connection to thecooler; d. a USB port; e. a power supply component; f. a Bluetoothcomponent; g. a WiFi component; h. a radio frequency component; and i. acase-box containing at least one of the electronic board and connectionto the cooler, the USB port, the power supply component, a Bluetoothcomponent, a WiFi component, and a Radio Frequency component,collectively defined as one or more of the electronic components, withan input and an output having a display on a surface of the cooler. 11.The system as described in claim 10 further comprising: the electroniccontrol device is powered by a battery.
 12. The system as described inclaim 11 further comprising: the battery is chargeable via a USB port.13. The system as described in claim 11 further comprising: the batteryis chargeable via a 12V DC automotive connection.
 14. The system asdescribed in claim 11 further comprising: the battery is chargeable viaa 120V AC connection.
 15. The system as described in claim 11 furthercomprising: the battery is powered via a solar panel.
 16. The controlsystem as described in claim 10 further comprising: the encryptedcommands are transmitted from the electronic control device in thecooler through Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Radio Frequencies to a smartphone ortablet or a server encrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusion, interference,meaconing, jamming or data falsification.
 17. The system as described inclaim 10 further comprising: the desired temperature and its length oftime are remotely controllable.
 18. The system as described in claim 10further comprising: alerts are communicated using Bluetooth or Wi-Fitechnologies to a mobile phone or email account, or sound, buzzer orvibration for notifying an operator of the system for: a. temperature ofitems, at the top and at the bottom of cooler as well as the ambienttemperature outside the cooler equipped with the system out ofacceptable limits for determined acceptable periods and lengths of time,b. liquid and/or gas CO₂ level low, c. battery level low; and d. airpressure status.
 19. The system as described in claim 1 furthercomprising: the at least one compressed liquid and/or gas CO₂ containerpositioned in an upright position.
 20. The system as described in claim1 further comprising: the at least one compressed liquid and/or CO₂container positioned in an upside-down position.
 21. The system asdescribed in claim 1 further comprising: a. an embodiment of the systemused for back up refrigeration in the event of primary refrigerationcycle failure including: i. for residential/commercial use (backup to acompressor based refrigeration cycle); and ii. for recreational use(backup to a thermoelectric cooler as the primary cycle).
 22. The systemas described in claim 1 further comprising: the system is integratedinto a vehicle for food delivery.
 23. The system as described in claim 1further comprising: the system is integrated into a vehicle for foodstorage.
 24. The system as described in claim 1 further comprising: a.the system is designed for a container for personal medical storageincluding insulin; b. the system further comprises an insulated plastic,composite or metal container with either traditional or vacuuminsulation; and c. the container and control mechanism of the systemcontained.
 25. The system as described in claim 1 further comprising:the system is designed for critical refrigeration of medical materialsincluding vaccines and drugs.
 26. The system as described in claim 1further comprising: the system is designed to receive food, beverages,medical supplies, blood, temperature sensitive chemicals andpharmaceuticals, prey resulting from fishing or hunting activities orperishable items in need of refrigeration, cooling or freezingdeliveries when the owner, renter or resident of a residential dwelling(i.e.: houses, apartments, dormitories or town-houses) is not present.27. The at least one compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 container asdescribed in claim 1 is selected from the group consisting of: a. 12 gdisposable metal canister (soda fountain cartridge), b. 12, 16, 20, 24,32 oz metal or composite cylinder (paint ball cylinders), c. 1, 2.5, 5,10, 20 lb portable compressed gas cylinders, d. >20 lb semiportable/bulkcompressed gas cylinders, e. large volume liquid containers, and f. aspecially designed compressed liquid container specific for theinvention's cooling system and a custom manifold block where the CO₂container(s) can be screwed into or connected to form a seal between theCO₂ container(s) and the manifold block that prevents the liquid and thegas CO₂ from escaping and prevents the leakage of the liquid or the gasCO₂.
 28. The electronic control device as described in claim 10 furthercomprising: the system is integrated with wireless or hard wiretransmission technology selected from the group consisting of: a.bluetooth connection to a phone or computer, or tablet; b. Wi-Fi forconnection to a phone, tablet, or computer; c. radio frequency, and d.hard wire transmission utilizing a hard wire connection for areas wherethere is high environmental interference of the wireless transmission.29. The control system as described in claim 28 further comprising: thedata transmitted from the electronic control device of the system viaWi-Fi/Bluetooth/radio frequencies to a smartphone or tablet or a serverencrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusion, interference, meaconing, jammingor data falsification.
 30. The system as described in claim 28 furthercomprising: desired temperature and its length of time are remotelycontrollable.
 31. The system as described in claim 28 furthercomprising: alerts are communicated using Bluetooth or Wi-Fitechnologies to a mobile phone or email account, or sound, buzzer orvibration for notifying the operator of the invention's cooling systemfor: a. temperature of items, at the top and at the bottom of thevessels as well as the ambient temperature outside the vessel equippedwith the invention's cooling system out of acceptable limits fordetermined acceptable periods and lengths of time, b. liquid and/or gasCO₂ level low, c. battery level low, and d. air pressure status.
 32. Thesystem as described in claim 7, further comprising: the electroniccontrol device including: a. a display where the following temperaturesare visualized: i) external to the cooler; ii) internal into the cooler;and iii) at the upper surface of the heat exchanger; b. an electronicboard for checking the current temperatures and sending the desiredtemperatures to the electronic valve; c. a wired electronic connectionto the cooling system; d. a USB port; e. a power supply component; f. aBluetooth component; g. a WiFi component; h. a radio frequencycomponent; and i. a case-box containing electronic components with inputand output connectors and having the display in one of its surface. 33.The system as described in claim 32 further comprising: the electroniccontrol device is powered by a battery.
 34. The system as described inclaim 33 further comprising: the battery is chargeable via a USB port.35. The system as described in claim 33 further comprising: the batteryis chargeable via a 12V DC automotive connection.
 36. The system asdescribed in claim 33 further comprising: the battery is chargeable viaa 120V AC connection.
 37. The system as described in claim 33 furthercomprising: the battery is powered via a solar panel.
 38. The controlsystem as described in claim 33 further comprising: the data transmittedfrom the electronic control device of the system viaWi-Fi/Bluetooth/Radio Frequencies to a smartphone or tablet or a serveris encrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusion, interference, meaconing,jamming or data falsification.
 39. The system as described in claim 33further comprising: desired temperature and its length of time areremotely controllable.
 40. The system as described in claim 33 furthercomprising: alerts are communicated using Bluetooth or Wi-Fitechnologies to a mobile phone or email account, or sound, buzzer orvibration for notifying the operator of the invention's cooling systemfor: a. temperature of items, at the top and at the bottom of thevessels as well as the ambient temperature outside the vessel equippedwith the invention's cooling system out of acceptable limits fordetermined acceptable periods and lengths of time; b. liquid and/or gasCO₂ level low; c. battery level low; and d. air pressure status.
 41. Theelectronic control device as described in claim 33 further comprising:the system is integrated with wireless or hard wire transmissiontechnology selected from the group consisting of: a. bluetoothconnection to a phone or computer or tablet; b. Wi-Fi for connection toa phone, tablet or computer; c. radio frequency, and d. hard wiretransmission utilizing a hard wire connection for areas where there ishigh environmental interference of the wireless transmission.
 42. Thecontrol system as described in claim 41 further comprising: the datatransmitted from the electronic control device of the system viaWi-Fi/Bluetooth/radio frequencies to a smartphone or tablet or a serveris encrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusion, interference, meaconing,jamming or data falsification.
 43. The system as described in claim 41further comprising: desired temperature and its length of time areremotely controllable.
 44. The system as described in claim 41 furthercomprising: alerts are communicated using Bluetooth or Wi-Fitechnologies to a mobile phone or email account, or sound, buzzer orvibration for notifying the operator of the invention's cooling systemfor: a. temperature of items, at the top and at the bottom of thevessels as well as the ambient temperature outside the vessel equippedwith the invention's cooling system out of acceptable limits fordetermined acceptable periods and lengths of time, b. liquid and/or gasCO₂ level low, c. battery level low; and d. air pressure status.